Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Held captive since birth, I never knew normal.
As a child, I took comfort in reading. It was my escape; my only glimpse at what life and love could be like outside the walls that I had been hidden behind.

When I was finally freed, the world I entered was something I never could have imagined.

Then I meet Harper Abraham, and my heart’s very beat … changes.

But, can I?

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

M.J. Fields

129 books3,869 followers
MJ Fields is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She lives in New York with her daughter Miss A, smoochie faced Newfie, Theo and the newest member to the 'fields crew, rescue diva / holy terror Eleanor.
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.

Forever Steel!

Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
495 (62%)
4 stars
199 (24%)
3 stars
67 (8%)
2 stars
25 (3%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD.
649 reviews41 followers
August 3, 2014
Besides the lots of editing problem that sometimes makes it a tad bit harder for me to understand, there are so many holes in the story regarding Maddox's kidnapping and his rescue that I wondered if I was suppose to read a book before this. How and when did Maddox and Harper meet? Did I miss it? And there's a whole bunch of characters that could get really confusing!

But moving on... since this is more about Maddox dealing with the aftermath of his kidnapping.... seriously if you have been kidnapped and tortured for 16 years, shouldn't he be seeking professional help. I don't see that here. He also seems to have this need to find those kids that are missing, who are kidnapped like him, but that "need" seems to have just disappeared. He is easily tempered that makes him violent, and deals with his demons through alcohol, his music, forming his own rock band called "Burning Souls", then comes drugs and sex.

He also professed his love towards Harper, a very possessive love. All the while he goes and get's himself off with other women.... which isn't really sex cause he is only getting BJ's and he never kissed them!

“How many people have you kissed?”

“Three,” he looked at her and raised his eyebrows as if to say HA!

“I have kissed one.”

“I know this, what’s the point here Harper?”

“How many people have you touched?”

“Again the answer is dependent on…”

“Fine if we are going to be childish about this. How many breasts have been in your hands? And before you need clarification…”

“Lots. My fingers have been in a lot of wet…”

“God---not so descriptive, please,” Harper covered her ears.

He took her wrists in his hands and pulled them away, “Bullshit you want answers I am giving them to you. After every show I get a blowjob. I could have several but…”

“Okay Maddox I don’t want to know anything except this: has Jane been one of the people you have been with sexually?”

He looked at her and let out a frustrated breath, “It’s different with her then it is with you.”

Harper swallowed hard, “Is she the other one you have kissed?”


Yep, the kiss is all that matters! Oh and then he also lives with someone, a girl named Jazz, but that's also okay because.....

“Don’t you get it? It should have never happened. I am walking away because I can’t stay, I can’t be the other women. I can’t be…” - Harper

“The other! Jazz took comfort in my body Harper. I care about her. It’s not what I feel with you.” - Maddox


Really?

Harper has a really good heart, kind, sweet, innocent, a completely loveable character. She is smart too.... BUT, when it comes to Maddox, she is meek, easy and mindless.

At first I was rooting for Harper and Maddox's love story. But when Maddox became an ass who constantly hurts Harper, I wished her better. There is so much hang-ups in their relationship that is all Maddox. She really deserved better. I actually felt bad for her family who has to witness all these. I felt bad for both their families.

Not that there wasn't anyone else interested with Harper, there is Blake, but his character was never develop enough to mention really.

When the story started they were only 16 and 17 years old... you'll see them grow till they've reach their 20's. It is fast paced, a little bit too fast though.

I can't say I didn't enjoy the storyline cause it made me angry and hurt for Harper, riled me up on a lot of issues! There is a lot of angst and is quite emotional. But there was just way too much that is just wrong (for me) and I couldn't care less if I felt sorry for Maddox. And since this is a three part series, this is just the part of their story.

As for character growth and substance? I'm not so sure yet. Lol.

Do I wanna read the next book? I could say no, but I probably will. I really couldn't put it down once I started so that part is good too!

Written in multi POV's.

Review also shared/posted here :

http://slitsread.wordpress.com/2014/0...

http://www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD
Profile Image for Laura.
35 reviews
July 1, 2013
MJ knows exactly how I feel about this particular book. The story is second to none. Honestly, there were times as I was reading this book that I literally had my mouth open, reading along---simply stunned at what was coming at me next.

This story will grip you, feed your soul, and make you want more...because there definitely will be more.

And the saucy parts...are absolutely worth waiting for. Woah. :-)
Profile Image for Sonia N..
788 reviews57 followers
September 21, 2022
What an incredible emotional experience! I fell in love with Maddox. He is Brody Hines son, and Maddox is also in a rock band. He has had a traumatic upbringing and struggles with the present.
His parents, Brody and Emma with his younger sisters help in his recovery.
Harper is Tessa’s and Collin daughter. Tessa is from the True Love series, which is an excellent and another emotional series. This book made me feel just about every emotion. I laughed and I cried, this book almost reminded me of Tessa and Links dramatic love story.
Harper is a beautiful and strong young lady, she is independent and a badass.
When Harper and Maddox meet they are instantly attracted to each other and they know it’s love! In this well written , flowing storyline their story is told through dual point of view. There are beautiful and emotional scenes and well written steamy love scenes. But, it’s their gripping and intense roller coaster of feelings.
So in love with this author’s writing and I eagerly look forward to her next book!
Profile Image for Amandajane.
603 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2016
This is listed as #1 in a new series. it really shouldn't be. There are people popping up everywhere, obviously from other books, that the author assumes that the reader has knowledge of who they are and what the hell they are talking about. I am sure it is lovely for readers who have read the other books to catch up with these characters. But since I haven't I don't know who they are and I don't care about their issues. The writing style is really hard to read as it chops and changes between all the different people. The grammar problems and typos don't really help. As for the relationship between Maddox and Harper- TOXIC!! It is all lovey dovey let me sing you a song and then two seconds later it is screaming drama, smashing phones and punch ups.

I recommend that you read all the other books first so you don't spend the first half of this book irritated and confused. It also may built a tolerance to all the other stuff.
Profile Image for Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds.
293 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2022
This is the begins at Harper and Maddox’s senior years. Although they’ve been instantly drawn to each other each will go through the trials of growing up.

Harper just wants to live and be loved as she deserves. Maddox has her heart, but why does the person you live hurt you the most?

Maddox is still working through his childhood trauma. Utterly in love with Harper, he pushes her away to save the life of Jazz. But when Harper’s accident reveals a big secret, he will stop at nothing to prove he is the man she deserves.

5 rocking stars! MJ Fields has rocked this story. We got glimpses of Harper and Maddox in The Brody Hines Series. This is the beginning of their love story and I just know I will feel all of the emotions with this series. Maddox is one of my favorites and you see the growth he’s gone through. Although, he still has a long way to. I can’t wait for more of the Burning Souls Series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,870 reviews180 followers
September 22, 2022
4 Star review of Stained (Burning Souls #1) by M.J.Fields

Stained is a book that will draw you in and have you hooked from the first chapter to the last. There were moments where I could not believe what I was reading. I would suggest that if you haven’t read The Love series and The Wrapped series you may get more enjoyment if you read these first.
Maddox has been through so much but it wasn’t until he met Harper that he realized how much he has missed out on. There were times where I was a little confused by all that was going on but I went back and re read and found what I needed.
I did get frustrated by the back flips in their relationship as it seemed as though one moment there was love the next there was hate. A raw, gritty story that can he move forward?
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,957 reviews107 followers
September 22, 2022
This is book one in the Burning Souls Series but I do believe to get the most from this captivating story you need to read The Love Series and The Wrapped Series first. This is Maddox and Harper’s emotional journey that will draw you in and not let you go. Maddox had a traumatic childhood and he hides behind the walls he built to protect himself, he is not looking for a relationship and he doesn’t believe in love until Harper Abraham walks into his life….. So will he open up and take a chance, one click to find out. This is an emotional, raw and gritty journey with characters you can’t help bonding with, it captivating and it will certainly touch your soul. A book with all the feels.
June 25, 2013
Once again, a fabulous storyline! Stained by M.J. Fields continues the story of Maddox and Harper started in the Wrapped series. They are now starting on their life as adults and making decisions that will shape their futures irrevocably.

This author is a great storyteller. Please, for those of you who will react to some misspelled words, etc. I urge to overlook this and read the story.
Profile Image for Teresasloveofbooks.
691 reviews51 followers
March 12, 2017
finished all three of The Wrapped series books they were phenomenal (:Finished earlier and I have to say M.J is one hell of a writer her books suck you in with so many different characters and u will love everyone (: Maddox and Harper god where to start lets just say they are Soul mates just like Brody and Emma <<<<333 I can't wait for book 2 to Rock my book World like this one has!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
21 reviews12 followers
December 1, 2013
I loved this book!!!! Incredible writing!!!! The author has amazing talent !!! Maddox shows such love to the people around him and the struggles he goes through and how he over comes them is inspiring!!!! The love and sex scenes were incredibly HOT! Can't wait to read the next one!!!!
84 reviews10 followers
Read
March 11, 2015
DNF...since this was book 1 of the series, I didn't realize that it was a follow up to a previous series by the author. So, at 30% of the way through, I'm giving up. There's too much that doesn't make sense without reading the previous series.
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,326 reviews58 followers
September 24, 2022
Another great read that had me hooked. I absolutely love Maddox and can’t wait too read more. I never go wrong when I one click any of MJ’s books. Another amazing read with amazing characters.
Profile Image for Angela Cornell.
Author 1 book34 followers
November 18, 2022
Stained KU $3.99 436 pgs **** 11/16/22 Maddox & Harper

4 stars. This book picks up from the end of the last, but we get more history, especially of Harper’s family. This book includes both of their families, so we still get more of Brody and Emma, Colin and Tressa and all the kids. I am transfixed on these entire multiple series. I can’t stop reading and I hope it goes on forever! This book finally has some Rock Star in it. Brody and Harper are on again off again throughout this entire book, but they always tend to drift back toward each other. This can be quite frustrating but they are young and neither have any experience with relationships so it’s easy for them to fall in and out, mostly because of lack of communication. Brody becomes a big rock star with touring the UK and US so there isn’t much time for he and Harper to really work out what they really want. Harper goes off to college and meets a friend there that of course makes Maddox crazy with jealousy. Brody still tries to find other people that he remembered during his abusive childhood, it is very important to him to try to find others and maybe help them like his family helped him when he was rescued. Their story in this book is really good, the flow is great, sex is hot, they are just magnetic when near each other. There are a few grammatical errors but very few and they certainly don’t take away from the reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,250 reviews60 followers
September 24, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Held captive since birth, Maddox never knew normal. As a child he took comfort in reading. It was his escape; his only glimpse at what life and love could be outside the walls that he had been hidden behind. When he is finally freed, the world he enters is something he never could have imagined. Then he meets Harper Abraham, and his heart's very beat changes. But can he?

This is the story of Maddox who has had anything but a normal upbringing. He was held captive from the time he was born. To pass the time and escape the life he was born into he read. He has certainly seen all the horrors that no young person should ever even know about. However things are about to change for him and he is about to get a family that loves him with all they are and have and then he meets Harper. The girl who sees the man that he is and really wants to be. These two don't have an easy road and this book is filled with angst. A journey to overcome everything that Maddox has been through. Harper will be with him every step of the way and it is not easy for her and sometimes there is a lot of hurt going on for her too. This book is certainly an experience and one that you do not want to miss. I devoured this book. It pulls you in from the first chapter and you will not put it down until you are finished. I loved every single second of this book and can not wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
991 reviews10 followers
September 21, 2022
While this could be considered a standalone for its own series, the starting point parallels the third book of the Brody Hines' series by the author which showcases Maddox's father.

Maddox Hines, having lived a nightmarish start of his life, 15 and a half years. Thrust into society, standing out but also wanting to free those enslaved and seeking out those that have already been.

Harper, daughter to one who has lived and understands Maddox's past. Living within a gilded cage herself.

Two teens that have lived through so much, trying to find themselves as they become young adults. All while their lives are torn apart again and again from their choices, even as their love stays strong. From love to friendships apart, the book jumps year by year as he systematically destroys her heart over and over again.

Yeah, sorry fellow readers... Maddox was not my favorite during several of his choices. The big reveal though showcases their hurt and leaves in a cliffhanger if they can move through it.

Smartly written to understand consensual versus captivating versus pleasurable versus confusion in part due to Maddox's history growing up in a life unlike others.
789 reviews
February 26, 2018
Maddox Hines

I've read a few books by this author and after reading "Her First Kiss" and "His First Crush", it occurred to me that I hadn't read the supporting characters stories and decided that Maddox's journey was something I was interested in, so here we are. I'm feel as though the author did a great job of portraying a somewhat troubled guy who had a horrible childhood compared to most, one who not only survived but also tried to help others survive as well. There are many sides to Maddox but I feel the one we see the most in this story is his need for control, completely understandable considering, but we also see his heart and at his core, he's a wonderful person who is struggling to overcome his past while trying to figure out how he fits into the present. The issues with Harper are mostly typical, if you take out the "Rock Star" baggage, you have a couple of young adults fumbling though emotions, communication and pretty much life. Good story
Profile Image for Rita.
345 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2022
It’s recommended to read the Brody Hines trilogy before jumping into The Burning Souls as you first meet Maddox in that series and it gives a bit of his back story.

MJ Fields certainly knows how to bring out the angst and ALL the feels in her books, this will take you on the most epic roller coaster of emotions!

This is Maddox Hines story and tells you of the immense horror that someone of his age should never have ever seen in his life!
Adjusting to having a family who loves him he meets Harper Abraham who sees his true heart and is desperate for him to see it too.

Their families are all about respect, love and support but sometimes that doesn’t always help and Maddox and Harper both individually and together, have troubles throughout their journey that only they can learn to overcome.

This is only the first book in Maddox & Harper’s story and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next edition ‘Forged - The Burning Souls’
August 24, 2021
CRAZY IN LOVE !

Maddox and Harper are two crazy in love people who are having a hard time getting it right, when it comes to being in love with each other. I'm telling you these two are driving each other too madness. And I'm loving it. Rockstar and his love for his innocent girlfriend or maybe not his girlfriend, that's where the madness comes into play. Maddox has issues and rightfully so. He been through somethings that are unimaginable. But, one thing that is so consistent, is his love for Harper. Still, he has his girl not knowing which way is up. I believe in book II these two will get it right. Or maybe not. I'm just enjoying their madness. I so recommend! You will not be disappointed. ENJOY!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,870 reviews180 followers
September 22, 2022
4 Star review of Stained (Burning Souls #1) by M.J.Fields

Stained is a book that will draw you in and have you hooked from the first chapter to the last. There were moments where I could not believe what I was reading. I would suggest that if you haven’t read The Love series and The Wrapped series you may get more enjoyment if you read these first.
Maddox has been through so much but it wasn’t until he met Harper that he realized how much he has missed out on. There were times where I was a little confused by all that was going on but I went back and re read and found what I needed.
I did get frustrated by the back flips in their relationship as it seemed as though one moment there was love the next there was hate. A raw, gritty story that can he move forward?
Profile Image for Theresa Natole.
1,023 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2022
My heart is breaking for Maddox and Harper. What Maddox has gone through. Now he is trying to live. He knows deep down he is no good for Harper but he cannot let her go. She is the first person that showed him what love is all about. He did not think it was wrong to share what he shared with her. It was nothing like what he went through before. Harper also loves Maddox. It may be young love but love just the same.
The obstacles these two go through, will the love they share be enough to see them through. M J Fields has done it again. Creating characters that do not have it easy being together and must learn to fight for what they want. Cheering them on the whole time. Heartbreaking at times but so worth every tear.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
4,957 reviews107 followers
September 22, 2022
This is book one in the Burning Souls Series but I do believe to get the most from this captivating story you need to read The Love Series and The Wrapped Series first. This is Maddox and Harper’s emotional journey that will draw you in and not let you go.
Maddox had a traumatic childhood and he hides behind the walls he built to protect himself, he is not looking for a relationship and he doesn’t believe in love until Harper Abraham walks into his life…..
So will he open up and take a chance, one click to find out.
This is an emotional, raw and gritty journey with characters you can’t help bonding with, it captivating and it will certainly touch your soul. A book with all the feels.
Profile Image for Susan Ney friedlander.
642 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2023
I loved Maddox during he Brody Hines series. The horrors he has gone through have been unimaginable. It’s a miracle he is as well adjusted as he is after his horrendous first 15 years of life. Ava is beautiful inside and outside. Her family adores her as do her friends and extended family. She and Maddox have loved each other since they were teenagers and it hasn’t stopped. Absolutely love this couple.
3,856 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2021
Confused

I love this author but omg, I just found this book confusing. Wasn’t sure of background and whose perspective the story was being told the father or son. Obviously the father had his own series and I’ve not read it, but in all honesty don’t think I’ll pursue it or more of this one. Felt disjointed and poor explanations. Sorry but I’m sooo disappointed.
Profile Image for Angel.
186 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2023
I had so many emotions while reading this book that I felt part of Maddox and Harper's life together. Harper seems to be following the same path that her mother, Tessa, went down. She knows what's right and what is terribly wrong but she still runs back to Maddox no matter how he treats her. The next book, I have no doubt, will be just as interesting.
46 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2018
Love Harper and Maddox's story!

I love his this story goes....angst aside it's a wonderful love story! Some grammar issues as with all the other books. The author needs a new proof reader!
36 reviews
September 20, 2022
This love story will take for for a roller coaster ride. Maddox and Harper are two strong willed people who have so much love to give. But will they get it right?? You need to get this book and see where their story will bring them.
September 21, 2022
This story will really take you on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride. One minute you love both Maddox and Harper and the next you want to smack one of them. I loved this story the first time I read it and love it even more now. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Megan.
847 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2019
DNF.. I was so confused at the beginning.. I thought k it’s a follow up series?! 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for Crystal Nelson.
343 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2019
This book broke me in so many ways. I loved every second of it and can't wait until I finish this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.